The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state initiative designed to help eligible low-income households manage their energy costs. If you are a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer and are finding it difficult to afford your electricity and natural gas bills, the CARE program could provide significant financial relief. This program offers substantial discounts on your monthly energy bills, making energy more affordable for those who qualify.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is not exclusive to Edison customers but is a statewide program available across California. It aims to assist households with limited incomes by providing a discount on their energy consumption. This discount is crucial for helping families maintain essential services like heating and cooling, especially in regions with fluctuating temperatures. Funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, CARE ensures that assistance is available to those who need it most.
For customers of major California utilities, including Southern California Edison, the CARE program delivers a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills. Additionally, it provides a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts can significantly lower the financial burden of energy expenses for eligible households.
Southern California Edison (SCE) CARE Program Details
If your energy service is provided by Southern California Edison, you can specifically benefit from the Edison CARE program. To be eligible for the SCE CARE program, customers must meet certain income guidelines or participate in specific public assistance programs.
Eligibility through Income: Your household income must be at or below the established income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Eligibility through Public Assistance Programs: You automatically qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in any of the following public assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is straightforward. Southern California Edison provides multiple avenues for application and information.
To request an application form and get detailed information about the program, you can:
- Visit the SCE CARE Website: The most direct way to access information and application forms is through the official Southern California Edison website dedicated to the CARE program. You can find it by searching “Edison CARE program” or navigating to the assistance programs section on their website.
- Contact SCE Customer Service: You can call Edison’s dedicated CARE program phone line at 866-675-6623. Customer service representatives can answer your questions, provide detailed information, and guide you through the application process.
Explore FERA: Further Assistance from Edison
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another opportunity for savings. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible Edison customers.
FERA is designed for households with slightly higher income levels than CARE, offering a tiered system of support. If your income is too high for CARE but still within the FERA income guidelines, you may be eligible for this additional assistance. Contact Southern California Edison to inquire about FERA eligibility and application process.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of the Edison CARE Program
The California CARE program, specifically the Edison CARE program, is a valuable resource for low-income households in Southern California. By providing substantial discounts on energy bills, it helps ensure that essential energy services remain accessible and affordable. If you believe you may be eligible for the CARE program, or even the FERA program, reach out to Southern California Edison today to learn more and begin your application. Reducing your energy costs can significantly improve your household’s financial well-being.
